I'm not really sure why people are so eager to wish summer away. I'm in no hurry to get into cold temperatures. Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but it very much still feels like summer in Chicago. Nonetheless, we said goodbye to the season with a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan after a day of exploring Garfield Park Conservatory. I bought our tickets to the cruise on the Anita Dee ... Read more
Where to Hike in Phoenix (Besides Camelback Mountain)
One of the best things to do in Phoenix during the winter months is hike. If you're not hiking, what are you doing with your life? Highs of 60 degrees mean that you'll still feel cool even after you've worked up a sweat, which you'll do on the inclines. My favorite time to hike is after a storm when the clouds are clearing. The most gorgeous sunsets happen on partly cloudy days, after the rain ... Read more
Visiting Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park has been on my bucket list for years. Seeing those sunset-colored arches has been the cherry on top of a sweet 2015. You can take in the splendor of the park even if you don't have time for much hiking, but schedule some time for exploring if you can. Now that I've had a taste, I need more. I plan to return to Arches for more hiking as soon as Graham and I can. Arches is ... Read more
Arizona Monsoon Storms
It may sound crazy, but I miss Phoenix's monsoons. They were a respite from the monotony of sunshine and 110 degree heat. The storms didn't last long, but they put on a colorful show.Graham and I used to race to the mountain when we knew there would be a storm or when a storm had just passed through our neighborhood. Those storms always created the best sunsets.We would run to a specific viewing ... Read more
Sunset Cruise on Lake Michigan
When I bought tickets for a Monday night cruise via Groupon, I had no idea what to expect. I wasn't sure if it was on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, but I figured it would be entertaining either way. We boarded the Mystic Blue Yacht to see it's basically a club on a boat. There's a DJ and a bar on the top deck. People had already claimed the seats in the center, so we were left standing on ... Read more
A Dreamy Sunset Run
Rain leaves behind the most spectacular Phoenix sunsets. After Tuesday's storm, I knew we'd be treated to a vibrant sky. Graham asked me to meet him at Dreamy Draw after work to catch the show. I hadn't even planned to run that day; I was going to practice yoga and rest. But I can't say no to a gorgeous sunset, so I soon found myself battling traffic as I raced to the park. I jumped out of my car ... Read more
Week 2 of Marathon Training
I've officially signed up for my first marathon! I'll be running the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon in Louisville in late April. Wish me luck!Sunday: I skipped running because I had a headache for most of the day. Instead I went for a 1.84-mile walk before sunset, when I started to feel better. I noticed a lot of trash left behind after last Saturday's parade; I spotted gloves, hats, water ... Read more
Camping in Sedona
Work has been crazy, so I haven't been able to share our experience camping in Sedona last weekend. A year ago we camped in the exact spot we went to Saturday, and it was just as lovely and relaxing this year. With our dogs in tow, we set off for Forest Road 525 near Sedona. We stopped to get a Red Rocks Pass without even realizing that the America the Beautiful pass we received as a wedding gift ... Read more
That Amazing Sunset Yesterday
It's no secret I am a fan of sunsets. Yesterday's reminded me that Arizona can be a magical place. Lately I've been feeling unmotivated and kind of stuck. I'm hoping that by slowing getting back into running and taking more yoga classes I escape this funk. And it will help to focus on the things I have to be grateful for, like this view.Every day may not be good, but there's something good in ... Read more
Leilani Bed & Breakfast in Ocean View, Hawaii
Our 6-day Big Island adventure included a stay at Leilani Bed and Breakfast in Ocean View. Someone later described this area to me as the "middle of nowhere." The sleepy town seemed like an ideal place to set up a bed and breakfast: quiet, serene and with an amazing view. We were mesmerized by the sunset as we drove there. Pictures (on my camera) couldn't quite capture the colors and the beauty. ... Read more